Valve and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A fluid control valve and method of making same are provided wherein such valve comprises a valve body structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and a first sealing surface and a closure structure for controlling fluid flow through the passage with the closure structure having a second sealing surface adapted to engage the first sealing surface to shut off fluid flow through the valve and wherein such valves comprises a substantially annular heat exchange device comprising at least one of the structures and being disposed immediately adjacent the sealing surface thereof for controlling the temperature of at least one of the sealing surfaces.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 473,555 filed Mar. 9, 1983,now U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,967, issued Dec. 24, 1985.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to valves and in particular to a fluid controlvalve and method of making same.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is known in the art to provide fluid control valves each comprising avalve body structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and firstsealing surface means, and a closure structure for controlling fluidflow through the passage with the closure structure having a secondsealing surface means adapted to engage the first sealing surface meansto shut off fluid flow through the associated valve.

However, some of the known fluid control valves are often used tocontrol flow of fluids wherein a particular fluid is at such atemperature that there is a tendency to reduce or weaken the structuralintegrity of its associated valve. Others of such known fluid controlvalves are used to control fluids containing particles, or the like,which tend to accumulate or build up on the sealing surface meanscomprising the valve body structure and/or the valve closure structureof the associated valve. The accumulated particles on such sealingsurface means teand to impair the sealing action of the overall valve ortend to cause premature failure of the associated component and/or anycomponent cooperating or associated therewith due to the abradingtendency of the material accumulated on the associated sealing surfacemeans. Accordingly, the control valves mentioned have the indicateddeficiencies.

In an effort to solve the above-mentioned problems various valves havebeen proposed heretofore. In particular, one such valve, in the form ofa butterfly valve, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,296. The valve ofthis patent utilizes a so-called bidirectional axially pliant pressureassisted seat.

Another previously proposed valve, also in the form of a butterflyvlave, employs a closure member which has a hollow cavity between tworoughly parallel facing cup-shaped discs comprising such closure member.The cavity is adapted to receive a fluid therein for heating the entiredisc to prevent any accumulation on the sealing surfaces thereof of anymaterial contained in the fluid being controlled by the valve.

Finally, other previously proposed valves have been provided withjackets completely therearound for the purpose of either heating orcooling same, as desired, to thereby control accumulations on thesealing surfaces thereof and/or control the structural integrity of suchvalves.

However, the valves proposed heretofore, including each of the valvesspecifically mentioned above, are basically deficient in that thecontrol of the temperatures of the sealing surface means thereof is notprovided with optimum efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides an improved fluid control valve which comprisesa valve body structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough andfirst sealing surface means anc a closure structure for controllingfluid flow through the passage with the closure structure having secondsealing surface means adapted to engage the first sealing surface meansto shut off fluid flow through the valve and wherein such fluid controlvalve overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies.

In accordance with one embodiment of the improved valve of thisinvention such valve comprises substantially annular heat exchange meanscomprising at least one of the structures and being disposed immediatelyadjacent the sealing surface means thereof for controlling thetemperature of at least one of the sealing surface means.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvedfluid control valve of the character mentioned.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method ofmaking a fluid control valve of the character mentioned.

Other features, objects, uses, and advantages of this invention areapparent from a reading of this description which proceeds withreference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings show present preferred embodiments of thisinvention, in which

FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of afluid control valve of this invention in the form of a butterfly valveand showing the closure structure or member thereof for such butterflyvalve in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing only the butterfly valve closurestructure of the valve of FIG. 1 and with a portion of such closurestructure exploded away;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the valve of FIG. 1 lookingperpendicularly toward its closed closure structure and with parts inelevation, parts broken away, and parts in cross section;

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged primarily cross-sectional view of the upperportion of the valve of FIG. 1 taken essentially on the line 4--4 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary view similar to the central portion of FIG. 4illustrating modification of the valve stem to disc attachment and fluidseal means therebetween;

FIG. 4B is a view similar to FIG. 4A illustrating another modification;

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view of that portion of thevalve shown within the dot-dash circle illustrated in the central partof FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view with various parts broken away and drawn to a scalewhich is much larger than the scale of the illustration of FIG. 4,showing primarily the areas around the sealing surface means of thevalve body structure and the valve closure structure; and

FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are fragmentary views primarily in crosssection, and with certain parts in some FIGS. shown schematically, ofother exemplary embodiments of the valve of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawings which illustrates oneexemplary embodiment of a fluid control valve of this invention, whichis in the form of a butterfly valve, and such valve is designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 20. The exemplary valve 20 isbasically a valve of the type illustrated in the above-mentioned U.S.Pat. No. 4,289,296 and the disclosure of this patent is incorporatedherein by reference thereto. However, it is to be understood that theinventive concept of this invention is fully applicable not only tobutterfly valves, and in particular to butterfly valves of the typedisclosed in the above patent, but also to numerous other types ofvalves including, but not being limited to, ball valves, plug valves,gate valves, and the like.

The valve 20 is particularly adapted to be used to control the flow offluid therethrough wherein such fluid M has a tendency, either due tothe temperature thereof or due to such fluid itself and itsconstituents, to cause degradation of such valve and/or its components.It will be appreciated that degradation due to temperature of the fluidbeing controlled may cause structural weakness of one or more valvecomponents. Similarly, degradation due to the fluid itself and/or itsconstituents may result in a buildup of undesired material on thecooperating sealing surface means or sealing surfaces of the valve 20.The buildup of undesired material may cause an abrading action duringopening and closing of the valve 20 and subsequent failure of abradedcomponents. In addition, such buildup may prevent good sealing betweencooperating sealing surfaces of the valve and hence premature failure.However, regardless of the degradation action to which the improvedvalve 20 of this invention is subjected, such valve provides improvedperformance for reasons which will be apparent from the followingdescription.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings it is seen that the valve20 comprises a valve body structure which is designated generally by thereference numeral 21; and, in this example is of so-called waferconstruction. The body structure 21 has a fluid flow passage 22therethrough (FIG. 6) and first sealing surface means in the form of asealing surface 23 which is provided on a sealing member 24.

The valve 20 also has a closure structure or member in the form of aclosure disc 25, of circular outline, for controlling fluid flow throughthe flow passage 22 and the closure structure or disc 25 has secondsealing surface means in the form of a sealing surface 26 which isadapted to engage the first sealing surface means or sealing surface 23to shut off fluid flow through the valve 20. The sealing surface 26 isprovided in the disc 25 about the periphery thereof and such disc ismounted for partial rotation or pivotal movement within the passage 22to open and close the valve.

The disc 25 is mounted in the body structure 21 (FIG. 4) employing apair of stems 27 which are disposed at a diametral position of the discand have their axes coinciding with an axis 30 which is common thereto.The stems 27 are detachably fixed to the disc 25 in a manner to besubsequently described so that upon rotating at least one of the stemsutilizing any suitable manual, automatic, or semi-automatic means thedisc 25 is pivotally moved between open and closed positions definingopen and closed positions of the valve. The disc 25 may also be moved toany desired intermediate position between its open and closed position.

The disc 25 is disposed with respect to its axis and hence the commonaxis 30 of the stems 27 so that such disc is eccentric or offset in twomutually perpendicular directions with respect to axis 30 in a mannerwhich is well known in the art of butterfly valves and for purposeswhich are also well known and thus will not be described in detailherein. The two eccentricities, in essence, provide a cam-like action tothe movement of the disc 25 as it is povited between fully open andfully closed positions whereby the disc 25 is not subjected to aconstant scrubbing of the valve sealing surfaces and thereby is free ofexcessive disc drag and sealing surface deformation for well knownreasons and such reasions will not be repeated herein.

However, in accordance with this invention and as best illustrated inFIG. 4 of the drawings, the valve 20 comprises substantially annularheat exchange means which is designated genearlly by the referencenumeral 31 and such heat exchange means comprises at least one of thestructures, either 21 or 25, and is disposed immediately adjacent thesealing surface means thereof for controlling the temperature of atleast one of the sealing surface means. In this example of the inventionand as also seen in FIG. 6 the heat exchange means 31 is provided in theclosure structure or disc 25 immediately adjacent sealing surface 26 forcontrolling the temperature of such sealing surface. Accordingly, withthe closure structure or disc 25 in any position from fully open tofully closed and at all intermediate positions the heat exchange meansis capable of providing a controlled temperature as will be subsequentlydescribed.

Each sealing surface means or sealing surface 23 and 26 in this exampleof the invention is a substantially annular sealing surface and as willbe readily apparent from the drawings each annular sealing surface is asubstantially continuous sealing surface as well. It will also be seenthat the substantially annular heat exchange means 31 (FIGS. 4 through6) comprises annular conduit means 32 for conveying a heat transferfluid and such conduit means comprises a substantially annular groove 33in the disc 25 and an annular plate 34 fixed in sealed relation over thegroove 33.

Referring particularly to FIG. 4 of the drawings, it is seen that thevalve body structure 21 comprises a main body 35 which has studs 36suitably threaded therein on opposite sides thereof. Each stud has aninner portion threaded in the main body 35 and an outer portion providedwith threads 37. The studs 36 on each side of the main body 35 areprovided on a common circumference and the studs on each side are alsoadapted to be extended through associated openings in a flange 40comprising an associated pipe structure or system in which the valve 20is used. Once each flange 40 is in position for fastening to the valve20, threaded nuts 41 are threaded over the threads 37 to fasten the mainbody 35 and hence the overall valve 20 in the pipe system.

As previously mentioned, the closure structure or disc 25 is suitablypivotally fastened in the body structure 21 utilizing the stems 27. Thestems 27 and their component parts are substantially identical wherebythe reference numeral 27 is fully applicable to each. In view of thisthe detailed description will proceed with the description of the upperstem and its components, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, with it beingunderstood that such description of the upper stem 27 and its componentsis fully applicable to the lower stem 27 and its components.

Each stem 27 is disposed in an associated bore means 43 which extendsthrough an associated portion of the body structure 21 and an associatedbore means or bore 44 in an associated portion of the disc 25. Inparticular, it will be seen that each bore 44 is provided in aperipheral part of the disc 25 and such bore has a threaded portion 45.Each bore 44 and its threaded portion 45 are disposed on a common axiscoinciding with the axis 30; and, a counterbore 46 is provided outwardlyof the threaded portion 45 of bore 44.

Each bore means 43 in the body structure 21 comprises a bore 47 in anassociated part of the main body 35 of the body structure 21 and has acounterbore 50. The bore 44, threaded portion 45, counterbore 46, bore47, and counterbore 50 associated with each stem 27 have axes which arecommon with and coincide with the axis 30.

Each stem 27 has an inner part 52 which is adapted to be received withinits bore 44 in non-interfering relation with the surface defining suchbore; and, each stem 27 has a threaded part 53 which is threadedlyreceived within the threaded part 45 of its associated bore 44. Inaddition, each stem 27 has a larger diameter cylindrical outer portion54 provided with an annular shoulder 61 (FIG. 6) between its threadedportion 53 and outer portion 54. Each stem 27 also has a bore 55 (FIG.3) which is aligned with a corresponding bore 56 in the disc 25 andreceives an associated pin 57 therethrough. Each pin 57, in essence,locks an associated stem 27 to the disc 25 and thereby preventsrotational movements of the stem as well as axial movements of such stemrelative to the disc 25.

Referring now to FIG. 6 it is seen that to provide a fluid-tight sealbetween the inner part of each stem 27 and the disc 25 an annularpolymeric sealing ring 58 is disposed within a corresponding annulargroove 59 in the disc and such ring 58 and groove 59 have central axeswhich coincide with the axis 30. The sealing ring 58 engages thethreaded part 53 of the stem 53. In addition, it will be seen that asecond annular polymeric sealing ring 60 is disposed between an annularshoulder 61 on an associated stem 27 and a cooperating annular surface62 defined by an associated counterbore 46 and such ring 60 has an axiswhich coincides with the axis 30. Each ring 60 engages its associatedstem 27 at the base of its threaded part 53. In this manner, each set ofrings 58 and 60 provides a fluid-tight seal between the disc 25 and thestem 27 associated therewith while assuring that fluid passages in theassociated stem 27 and disc 25 communicating with annular conduit means32 associated with such stem are capable of providing fluid to suchconduit means 32 without fluid leakage out of such stem and disc.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 the valve 20 also has means 65 forprovidnig a seal between each stem 27 and the main body 35 of the valvebody structure 21. Each sealing means 65 comprises a plurality of twostuds 66 having inner end portions threaded within the main body 35 andhaving threaded outer ends 67. Each sealing means 65 also comprisespacking means comprising a plurality of axially stacked so-calledchevron packing rings 70 which are disposed within the counterbore 50,and a follower ring or follower 71.

Each follower 71 has an inner end which engages the outermost one of thechevron rings 70 and an outer end which is adapted to be engaged by whatwill be referred to as a stop follower 72. Each stop follower 72 had apair of openings which receive the threaded outer ends 67 of itsassociated studs 66 therethrough and washers 73 are disposed around thethreaded outer portions 67. A pair of threaded nuts 74 are provided andthreaded over the threaded outer portions 67 of the studs 66.

With the above-described components of each sealing means 65 it is asimple matter to prevent any possible leakage of fluid from within thevalve 20 and axially along an associated stem 27. This is achieved bythreading associated nuts 74 along the threaded portions 67 ofassociated studs 66 urging the associated washers 73, stop follower 72,and follower 71 against associated chevron packing rings 70. This urgingcontrols the physical deformation of such rings 70 and thereby theengagement of such rings 70 with its stem 27 and adjoining part of themain body 35, as is known in the art, to thereby prevent any possibleleakage from around the outside surface of such stem 27.

In this disclosure of the invention, a sealing member 24 has beenillustrated and described as being carried by the main body 35 of thevalve body structure 21; and, such sealing member 24 is illustrated asbeing of a particular configuration. However, it is to be understoodthat such sealing member may be of any suitable configuration which isknown in the art and typical configurations are illustrated in theabove-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,296. Likewise, the sealing member24, regardless of its configuration may be made of suitable material ormaterials as known in the art which may include metallic and/ornonmetallic materials.

The member 24 is preferably detachably fixed in position using anysuitable means; and as seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, in this example aretainer ring 78 is used for this purpose. The ring 78 is disposedwithin a cooperating substantially annular cutout 75 in the main body 35of the body structure 21; and, such ring 78 is suitably fixed inposition by any suitable fastening means. The ring 78 is preferablyfixed in position by a plurality of threaded fastening screws 79.

The valve 20 is also provided with suitable seal means or a seal betweeneach end or side of the main body 35 of the body structure 21 and anassociated flange 40. In this example, a sealing ring 76 is disposed insandwiched relation between the inside surface 77 of each flange 40 andassociated outside surface means of the main body 35. Each sealing ring76 may be made of any suitable material known in the art so as toprovide the desired sealing function.

Having described the main structural components of the valve 20, thedetailed description will now proceed with a detailed description of thesubstantially annular heat exchange means 31 and for this descriptionparticular reference is made to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. As previouslymentioned, the substantially annular heat exchange means 31 comprisesconduit means 32 in the disc 25 in the form of subtantially annulargroove means or a groove 33 and the annular plate 34 which is suitablyfixed in sealed relation over the groove 33.

The annular groove 33 has an annular counterbore 84 which defines anouter comparatively large diameter annular planar surface 85 and aninner comparatively smaller diameter annular planar surface 86. Theannular surfaces 85 and 86 are substantially coplanar and surface 85 isadjoined by cylindrical surface 90 while surface 86 is adjoined bycylindrical surface 91. An annular countersink 89 is also providedoutwardly of the annular counterbore 84 and such countersink defines alarge diameter substantially frustoconical surface 92 adjoingincylindrical surface 90 and a similar substantially smaller diameterfrustoconical surface 93 adjoining surface 91.

It will also be seen that the annular plate 34 has a pair of parallelsurfaces 94 and 95 with the surface 94 being disposed against thecoplanar surfaces 85 and 86 and the surface 95 being substantiallycoplanar with the outer large diameter edges of the frustoconicalsurfaces 92 and 93. The plate 34 also has a pair of outer frustoconicalsurfaces 96 and 97 comprising the outer edges thereof.

The annular plate 34 is adapted to be installed in position in theannular counterbore and once such plate 34 is installed in position, thedimensions of such plate 34, annular groove 33, annular counterbore 84,and annular countersink 89 defining frustoconical surfaces 92 and 93 aresuch that an inner and an outer annular channel or cutout of triangularcross section are defined. The outer annular cutout of triangular crosssection is defined by cooperating frustoconical surfacew 92 and 96, andthe inner annular cutout of triangular cross section is defined byfrustoconical surfaces 93 and 97.

The plate 34 is fixed in position in sealed relation by a pair ofannular welds 100 and 101. Weld 100 is disposed and fixed in sealedrelation against the surfaces 92 and 96; and similarly the weld 101 isdisposed and fixed in sealed relation against the surfaces 93 and 97.

The substantially annular heat exchange means 31 in this exemplaryembodiment of the invention is provided in the form of annular heatexchange means for circulating a heat transfer fluid F. Accordingly,means is provided for providing such heat transfer fluid F to theannular heat exchange means 31 and removing same therefrom, asillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The actual structural components and meansassociated with each stem 27 for providing fluid F to the heat exchangemeans 31 and removing such fluid F from the heat exchange means aresubstantially identical. Therefeore, the detailed description willproceed with only a description of the components and means forsupplying fluid F to the top or upper stem 27 with it being understoodthat such fluid exits the bottom or lower stem 27 through substantiallyidentical components and means also communicating with the heat exchangemeans 31. Actually the flow of heat transfer fluid may be reversed, ifdesired, by providing such fluid into and through the bottom or lowerstem 27, through the substantially annular heat exchange means 31, andout of the top or upper stem 27.

Each stem 27 has an axial bore 102 which extends the major part of theaxial length thereof from an outer surface 103 thereof inwardly andaxially therealong to a location just short of the bore 55 in the innerportion of such stem 27. A threaded inlet 104 is provided to the axialpassage 102 in each stem 27 for the purpose of threading a connector ofa fluid conduit which is to be placed in fluid communication with thepassage 102.

Each stem 27 also has a cross bore 105 disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the axis 30 and communicating with the terminal innerend portion of the bore 102; and such cross bore 105 is disposed so thatwith the stem 27 installed in its desired position the cross bore islocated between the annular seals 58 and 60. The cross bore 105 of eachstem 27 is constructed, arranged, and dimensionally disposed such thatit communicates with a cooperating cross bore 106 in the closurestructure or disc 25. Each cross bore 106 communicates with the innerportion of the groove 33.

Thus, heat transfer fluid, such as a suitable heat transfer liquid F, isintroduced under positive pressure into the bore 102 of the upper stemand such fluid flows through the aligned cross bores 105 and 106 intothe groove 33 defining the substantially annular conduit means 32 of thesubstantially annular heat exchange means. Once the heat transfer fluidF enters the conduit means 32 it flows in opposed directions asillustrated by arrows 107 and 108 in FIG. 3 whereby such flow is aboutthe entire periphery of the dis 25. The fluid F then flows out of theconduit means 32 and flows through cross bore 106 ;in the lower portionof the disc 25, associated aligned cross bore 105 in the lower stem 27,and associated axial bore 102 in such lower stem 27. The fluid F thenexits the lower valve stem 27 as illustrated at 110 in FIG. 3.

The substantially annular heat exchange means 31 is provided withprecise dimensional placement in the outer peripheral portion 111 of thedisc 25 such that heat transfer fluid F is in very close proximity tothe second sealing surface means or the sealing surface 26 of such disc25. This placement of the annular heat exchange means 31 assures precisecontrol of the temperature of the sealing surface means or surface 26.Obviously, this is possible because the temperature, flow rate, and heattransfer characteristics of the fluid F can be controlled with greatprecision as is known in the art.

With the structure described above, it is possible to control thetemperature of the sealing surface means or sealing surface 26 ininstances where it is desired to cool or heat the sealing surface 26.Accordingly, in those instances where the temperature of the fluid orfluid media M flowing through the valve 20 is such that particles in orof such media tend to accumulate on the sealing surface 26, thetemperature of fluid F is controlled to a higher level causing acontrolled heating of the sealing surface 26. This heating assures thatparticles or portions of the material will not accumulate on the outersealing surface 26 by, in essence, being heated so as to flow awaytherefrom. In this manner, a smooth fluid-tight sealing action isprovided once the surface 26 engages the sealing surface 23. Thissealing action is also achieved in a non-sticking and non-abradingmanner. For example, in an application where the fluid media M containssulphur there in minimum tendency for any of such sulphur to condense oraccumulate on the sealing surface 26 and cause poor sealing and/or anabrading action.

It will also be appreciated that in many applications the temperature ofthe fluid media M being controlled by the valve 20 is such that it maybe desirable to circulate a substantially cooler fluid F through theannular heat exchange means to cool the sealing surface and protect thestructural integrity thereof and/or prevent accumulation of particlesfrom the fluid media thereon.

The substantially annular conduit means 32 of the substantially annularheat exchange means 31 has controlled surfaces and such controlledsurfaces are precisely located as previously described. In addition,such surfaces assure optimum heat transfer between the heat transferfluid F and substantially the outer peripheral portion 111 of the disc25 and hence the sealing surface 26 of such disc.

In this example, the controlled surfaces of the substantially annularconduit means 32 are defined by opposed cylindrical surfaces 112 and 113of the substantially annular groove 33 together with a surface 114defining the bottom of such groove 33 and inside surface 94 of the plate34 - FIG. 5.

Having described the various component portions of the valve 20, thedetailed description will now proceed with the preferred manner ofdefining the substantially annular heat exchange means 31 in such valve20 and in particular the annular conduit means 32 thereof and the fluidpassage means communicating with the annular conduit means 32. Inparticular, the annular cavity or groove 33 is preferably machines inthe face of the disc 25 utilizing suitable machining tools as it knownin the art. The machining operation is a simple turning operation and itwill be appreciated that the placement of the groove 33 may be in closeproximity to the sealing surface 26 without affecting the structuralintegrity of sealing surface 26 in a detrimental manner.

The machining operation to define the annular groove 33 is preciselycontrolled by tool operation so as to define a controlled depth 116 insuch groove while controlling the radial length 117 thereof. The depth116, radial length 117, surface finish of the surfaces defined thereby,etc., will at least in part be influenced by the temperature desired tobe imparted to the outer peripheral portion 111 of the disc. Inaddition, the mass of the disc, the temperature of the fluid media M,and the type and temperature of the fluid F provided for heat transferpurposes will all be considered in machining such groove 33 as well asin defining the surface finish of surface 94 in the plate 34.

Having machined the annular groove 33, an annular counterbore 84 isdefined in the peripheral outer edge of the annular groove 33 followedby an annular countersunk portion 89. The annular groove 33, annularcounterbore 84, and annular countersink 89 are all defined by simpleturning operations. Once these turning operations have been completedthe plate 34 is made as is known in the art, including the frustoconicalsurfaces 96 and 97 thereof, whereupon such plate 34 is fixed in positionin sealed relation by annular welds 100 and 101.

However, it will be appreciated that the fixing of the plate 34 inposition in sealed relation in the annular groove 33 may be achieved bysimply holding the plate 34 in position utilizing threaded fasteningbolts and suitable sealing means between the plate and disc 25. Becausesuch fastening bolts and sealing gasket means are well known in the artthey will not be illustrated or described further. However, regardlessof how the plate 34 is fixed in position in sealed relation over theannular groove 33, the key to the provision of a precisely controlledtemperature on the sealing surface 26 is the provision of heat transfermeans in a precise manner closely adjacent such sealing surface 26.

Prior to fixing the plate 34 in sealed relation against the disc 25,either by welding or other means, the two diametrically arranged crossbores 106 are provided such that they communicate with the annulargroove 33. The means for placing the heat transfer fluid F in fluidcommunication with the annular conduit means 32, in addition to thecross bores 106, comprises an axial bore 102 in each stem and each bore102 has a threaded outer portion 104. Each axial bore 102 and threadedouter portion 104 is provided utilizing any suitable technique known inthe art.

Once an axial bore 102 and its threaded outer portion 104 are providedin an associated stem 27 the cross bore 105 is provided therein so thatit communicates with the inner end portion of such axial bore 102. Theprecise axial location of the cross bore 105 is determined by takinginto consideration the various dimensions of the cooperating parts ofthe valve 20 together with dimensional tolerances thereof whereby thecross bore 105 is precisely located.

The radial position of the cross bore is also marked on the outersurface 103 so that during installation of a stem 27 it is acomparatively simple matter to align its cross bore 105 with the crossbore 106 associated therewith.

The amount that each stem 27 is threaded in position in the threadedpart 45 of the bore 44 is determined by precise measurement of thedimension 120 from a fixed surface 121 on the main body 35 of the bodystructure 21 and the outer surface 103 of the associated stem. Thismeasurement may be achieved utilizing any suitable measuring deviceknown in the art.

It will be appreciated that once each stem 27 is threaded in position,the annular seals 58 and 60 associated therewith provide their sealingfunction. During threading of each stem 27, its associated seal 60serves as a resilient axially deformable member of annular constructionwhich compensates for any dimensional variations in the associatedparts. It will also be seen that by providing a suitable mark on theouter surface 103 to indicate the radial position of the cross bore 105and a corresponding mark on a readily visable fixed surface such as asurface 122 of the main body 35, it is a simple matter to visually alignthe cross bores 105 and 106 with the axial positioning thereof along theaxis 30 being determined by the dimension 120.

The installation and placement of the disc 25 within the main body 35are aided by annular disc spacers 123. The disc spacers 123 serve tolocate the disc 25 along the axis 30 yet within the main body 35 andalso serve as thrust bearings for such disc.

To aid in the precise axial positioning of the disc 25 the threadedportion 45 in the bore 44 has what may be considered extremely finethreads. Likewise, the threaded part 53 in each stem 27 has cooperatingextremely fine threads. Accordingly, once action is taken to thread thestem 27 in position a more precise axial positioning may be achievedwith the threading action.

To assure that the valve 20 may be operated by rotating either one orboth actuating stems 27 thereof without interfering with the provisionof heat transfer fluid F to and through such valve 20, suitable flexibleconduits, such as braided metal conduits lined with a suitable polymericmaterial, for example, may be connected by suitable connectors (notshown) to the threaded outer portios or ends 104 of the bores 102. Theseflexible conduits are shown schematically by dot-dash lines and are eachdesignated by the same reference numeral 124.

Other exemplary embodiments of the valve of this invention areillustrated in the fragmentary views presented in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and11. The valves illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are very similarto the valve 20; therefore, such valves will be designated generally bythe reference numerals 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E respectively andrepresentative parts of each valve which are similar to correspondingparts of the valve 20 will be designated in the drawings by the samereference numerals as in the valve 20 (whether or not suchrepresentative parts are mentioned in the specification) followed by theassociated letter designation either A, B, C, D, or E and not describedagain in detail. Only those component parts of each valve of FIGS. 7, 8,9, 10, and 11 which are substantially different from corresponding partsof the valve 20 will be designated by a new reference numeral alsofollowed by the associated letter designation and described in detail.

The valve 20A of FIG. 7 instead of having annular conduit means 32comprising an annular plate over an annular groove which definessubstantially annular heat exchange means comprises a substantiallytoroidal conduit 126A suitably disposed in an annular groove 33A. Thegroove 33A has a semi-toroidal surface 127A defining its bottom orinside surface and the conduit 126A is disposed against surface 127A andwelded in sealed relation by annular welds 130A and 131A. The disc 25Aof valve 20A has a cross bore 132A communicating with a cross bore 105Ain the stem 27A.

The operation of the valve 20A is substantially identical to theoperation of the valve 20. Further, the heating or cooling of thesealing surface 26A and adjacent structures is achieved by thecirculation of heat transfer fluid F through the conduit 126A comprisingthe annular heat exchange means 31A of the valve 20A.

The valve 20B of FIG. 8 instead of providing substantially annular heatexchange means adapted to flow a heat transfer fluid therethrough forheating and/or cooling purposes comprises a substantially annular groovemeans or groove 33B in the disc 25B and electrical means in the form ofa suitable electrical heater 133B is provided with suitable electricalinsulation 134B therearound and is provided with electrical powerthrough electrically insulated leads 135B suitably connected to theheater 133B at one end and to a source of electrical power 136B,indicated schematically, at the opposite end. The leads 135B extendthrough an axial bore 102B in the stem 27B and aligned cross bores 105Band 132B in the stem 27B and disc 25B respectively.

The heater 133B may be supported and held in position using any suitabletechnique known in the art; however, in this example, such heater isheld in position by an annular plate 34B which is suitably fastened tothe disc 25B.

Thus, it is seen that the substantially annular heat exchange means ofthe valve 20B is an electrical heater 133B capable of providing heatingof the sealing surface 26B within a precise temperature range. Suchcontrolled heating assures that undesirable accumulations of materialcomprising the fluid media M will not occur on the sealing surface 26B.

Because the valve 20B is heated by electrical means and not by a fluid,it is only necessary to extend the electrical leads through only onestem 27B as shown. The other stem of such valve may be as taught in theabove-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,296, for example.

The valve 20C of FIG. 9 comprises substantially annular heat exchangemeans 31C in the main body structure and in particular the ring 78Ccomprising the main body 35C. The annular heat exchange means 31Ccomprises an annular groove 33C in the ring 78C and an annular plate 34Cfixed in sealed relation, as by suitable annular welds, over the annulargroove 33C. The groove 33C and plate 34C define annular conduit means32C.

The annular conduit means 32C has a pair of radial passages or bores140C each of which extends through the ring 78C and the adjoining partof the main body 35C with a seal 141C therebetween. Each bore 140C has athreaded outer part 142C for receiving a suitable conduit 124 which isagain shown schematically by dot-dash lines as in the valve 20.

The above construction of the valve 20C enables a heat transfer fluid Fto be introduced through one passage or bore 140C and discharged throughan opposite diametrically arranged passage or bore 140C, not shown. Thefluid F in the valve 20C may be used for heating or cooling purposes.Basically, such fluid F controls the temperature of the body structureor main body 35C within a precisely controlled range in an annulusimmediately adjacent the sealing surface 23C. This precise control ofthe temperature of the body 35C adjacent the sealing surface 23C resultsin heat transfer to member 24C and to its sealing surface 23C wherebyprecise control of the temperature of surface 26C of disc 25C is alsoprovided. The efficiency of heat transfer across member 24C will beinfluenced by the heat transfer characteristics of such member.

The annular conduit means 32C of this example is provided in the ringportion 78C of the main body 35C; however, it will be appreciated thatconduit means 32C may be provided in any desired part of such main body.Also, by providing such annular conduit 32C in the ring 78C, it will beappreciated that fastening screws, or the like, used to fasten such ringin position are disposed so that they do not extend through the annularconduit means 32C.

It will also be appreciated that except for the above-describeddifferences, the valve 20C is very similar to the valve of theabove-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,296.

The valve 20D of FIG. 10 instead of providing substantially annular heatexchange means adapted to flow a heat transfer fluid therethrough forheating and/or cooling purposes comprises a substantially annular groovemeans or groove 33D in the ring 78D of the main body 35D. The groove 33Dhas electrical means in the form of an electrical heater 133D disposedtherein and suitably held in position using an annular plate 34D.

The heater 133D is supplied with electrical power through insulatedelectrical leads 135D. In addition, suitable electrical insulation 134Dis provided around the heater 133D.

The heater 133D provides heating similar to the heating provided by theheater 133B of the valve 20B. In addition, the transfer of heat is fromthe main body 35D across the seal which is similar to seal 24C of FIG.9. It will also be appreciated that except for the electrical heater133D and associated structure the construction and operation of thevalve 20D is similar to the valve disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,296.

The valve 20E of FIG. 11 comprises substantially annular heat exchangemeans 31E in the inner part of the main body 35E spaced inwardly fromthe retainer ring 78E thereof and such placement in some applications,and depending on the construction and configuration of the sealingmember, may provide better heat transfer to a sealing surface desired tobe heated. The heat exchange means 31E comprises an annular groove 33Ein body 35E and an annular cover plate 34E fixed in sealed relation, asby welding over the groove 33E to define annular conduit means 32E.

The annular conduit means 32E has a pair of passages or bores 140Ecommunicating therewith and each bore 140E extends through the main body35E and exits therefrom. Each bore 140E may be a radial bore from theconduit means 32E or each bore may have a radial portion extending fromthe conduit means 32E and then have another portion extending transversethe radial portion.

The conduit means 32E is particularly adapted to flow a fluid Ftherethrough or such conduit means 32E may house an electrical heater orother heating means, such as electrical heating means, in a similarmanner as valves 20B and 20D, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1through 6 a particular means of attaching the stem 27 to the disc 25 hasbeen illustrated wherein the stem 27 employs a threaded part 53 whichfunctions as previously described; and, a particular stem to disc fluidseal means is also shown. Modifications of the stem to disc attachmentand fluid seal means therebetween are illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B ofthe drawings and in these modifications, components or portions whichare similar to those of FIGS. 1-6 will be designated by the samereference numerals as before followed by the letter M in the FIG. 4Aillustration and followed by the letter N in the FIG. 4B illustration.If desired, the stem to disc attachment and fluid seal means of eitherFIG. 4A or FIG. 4B may be used in lieu of the stem to disc attachmentand seal means of FIGS. 1-6.

In the modification of FIG. 4A, each stem 27M has an innermost portion52M of reduced diameter which is provided with a threaded portion 53M.Threaded portion 53M is threadedly received in cooperating threadedportion 45M in the bore means of disc 25M. The threaded portions 45M and53M function in a similar manner as threaded portions 45 and 53 and suchdescription will not be repeated. In addition, a pin 57M is provided andused with each stem 27M in a similar manner as the previously describedpin 57.

The fluid seal means between each stem 27M and disc 25M of FIG. 4A iscomparatively simple and is provided by a polymeric sealing ring 60Mwhich is compressed between annular shoulder 61M on the stem 27M and acooperating annular surface 62M in the disc 25M. Each stem 27M has across bore 105M therein which communicates with one side of anassociated one of a pair of annular grooves 59M in the disc 25M. Thedisc 27M also has a pair of cross bores 106M therein each of whichcommunicates with the opposite side of an associated groove 59M; and,each cross bore 106M in turn communicates with an inner portion ofgroove 33M in disc 25M. The use of a groove 59M eliminates the need forprecise alignment of cross bores 105M and 106M associated with each stem27M. It will also be noted that each groove 59M has a central axiscommon with the axis of its associated stem 27M.

In the modification of FIG. 4B, the stem 27N is very simple and has aplain or unthreaded innermost portion 52N which is received within aplain blind bore means or bore 44N. A pin 57N is provided for holdingthe stem 27N and disc 25N together as well as preventing relativerotation therebetween, and such pin 57N is installed in position in asimilar manner as the pin 57 previously described.

The fluid seal means between each stem 27N and disc 25N is alsocomparatively simple and, in a similar manner as in the disc 25M andstem 27M, is provided by polymeric sealing ring 60N which is compressedbetween an annular shoulder 61N on the stem 27N and a cooperatingannular surface 62N in the disc 25N. Each stem 27N also has a cross bore105N which communicates with an associated cross bore 106N in the disc25N; and, each cross bore 106N in turn, communicates with an innerportion of groove 33N in the disc 25N.

Each exemplary valve 20, 20A, 20C and 20E may utilize a fluid F which iseither a liquid, a gas, or mixture of liquid and gas for the purpose ofproviding controlled heating or cooling of its associated sealingsurface means or sealing surface. In certain applications steam may beused for heating purposes. In this example, the sealing surface means orsealing surface is provided on the peripheral portion of the associateddisc; however, it will be appreciated that the main effort and structuremay be to provide controlled heating or cooling of a similar cooperatingsealing surface of the main body of the valve, if desired.

The fluid F circulated through each valve of this invention which uses afluid to control a sealing surface means may be provided from anysuitable source (not shown) and preferably under pressure using asuitable pump, or the like. The fluid F is provided to the top stem andis discharged out of the bottom stem; however, this flow may bereversed, if desired. Further, the fluid F may be controlled intemperature using any suitable means for controlling the temperature ofsuch fluid as is known in the art; and, the fluid F may be heated to acontrolled temperature or cooled to a controlled temperature dependingon the application.

Each valve 20 and 20A through 20E disclosed herein may be actuated byrotating or pivoting a stem thereof as is known in the art. Further, itmay also be desirable to provide stops, or the like, (not shown) forlimiting rotation of each stem and hence each disclosed valve and as iswell known in the art.

The various seals, packing rings, and the like used in the valves 20 and20A through 20E of this disclosure may be made of suitable materialsknown in the art provided that such materials are compatible with theconstruction of their associated valves, the temperature of theenvironment of each valve, and the temperature of the media M beingcontrolled by each of such valves.

In this disclosure, fluid F has been described as being used in thevalves 20 and 20A to control the temperature of sealing surface meansthereof. However, it is to be understood that such fluid F is also usedto control the temperature of the valve stems.

In this disclosure of the invention uas has been made of terms such asupper, lower, inner, outer, top, bottom, and the like. However, it is tobe understood that these terms are used to describe each valve andvarious components thereof as illustrated in the drawings and such termsare not to be considered limiting in any way.

While present exemplary embodiments of this invention and methods ofpracticing the same, have been illustrated and described, it will berecognized that this invention may be otherwise variously embodied andpracticed within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a fluid control butterfly valve comprising, avalve body structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and firstsubstantially annular sealing surface means around the periphery of saidpassage, and a rotatable closure structure for controlling fluid flowthrough said passage, said closure structure having second substantiallyannular sealing surface means around its periphery adapted to engagesaid first sealing surface means to shut off fluid flow through saidvalve, the improvement comprising substantially annual heat exchangemeans carried entirely by one of said structures and operatingindependently of the other of such structures, said annular heatexchange means corresponding in outline to and being disposedimmediately adjacent yet in radially spaced relation with respect to anassociated sealing surface means for controlling the temperature of atleast its respective said associated sealing surface means, saidsubstantially annular heat exchange means comprising electrical means,said substantially annular heat exchange means comprising substantiallyannular groove means in said one structure, said electrical means beingdisposed in said groove means, and further comprising an annular platefastened over said annular groove means to hold said electrical meanstherein.
 2. In a fluid control butterfly valve comprising, a valve bodystructure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and firstsubstantially annular sealing surface means around the periphery of saidpassage, and a rotatable closure structure for controlling fluid flowthrough said passage, said closure structure having second substantiallyannular sealing surface means around its periphery adapted to engagesaid first sealing surface means to shut off fluid flow through saidvalve, the improvement comprising substantially annular heat exchangemeans carried entirely by one of said structures and operatingindependently of the other of such structures, said annular heatexchange means corresponding in outline to and being disposedimmediately adjacent yet in radially spaced relation with respect to anassociated sealing surface means for controlling the temperature of atleast its respective said associated sealing surface means, saidsubstantially annular heat exchange means comprising electrical means,said electrical means comprising an electrical heater, and said onestructure being said closure structure.
 3. A valve as set forth in claim1 in which said one structure is said body structure, said bodystructure comprises a ring wherein said ring has annular groove meanstherein, said electrical means comprises an electrical heater, and saidelectrical heater is disposed in an electrically insulated manner insaid groove means.
 4. In a fluid control valve comprising, a valve bodystructure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and first sealingsurface means, and a closure structure for controlling fluid flowthrough said passage, said closure structure having second sealingsurface means adapted to engage said first sealing surface means to shutoff fluid flow through said valve, the improvement comprisingsubstantially annular heat exchange means carried entirely by saidclosure structure and operating independently of said body structure,said annular heat exchange means being disposed immediately adjacentsaid second sealing surface means for controlling the temperature of atleast said second sealing surface means, and said annular heat exchangemeans comprising electrical means.
 5. A valve as set forth in claim 4 inwhic said electrical means comprises an electrical heater.
 6. A valve asset forth in claim 5 in which said closure structure has annular groovemeans therein, and said electrical heater is disposed in an electricallyinsulated manner in said groove means.
 7. A valve as set forth in claim6 and further comprising an annular plate fastened to said closurestructure over said annular groove means to hold said electrical heatertherein.
 8. A valve as set forth in claim 6 and further comprisingelectrically insulated leads connected to said heater at one end and toa source of electrical power at the other end.
 9. A valve as set forthin claim 8 in the form of a butterfly valve.